The Ambassador of the Soviet Union (Russian: Посол Советского Союза) is a 1969 Soviet biographical drama film directed by Georgy Natanson.[1][2][3]
The film tells about a woman named Yelena Koltsova, the prototype of which was Alexandra Kollontai (the first woman ambassador in world history).[4]
Plot
Set in the autumn of 1941, the film follows Soviet ambassador Elena Nikolaevna Koltsova as she navigates diplomatic challenges in Scandinavia during World War II. The narrative begins with a tense moment at the Soviet embassy, where Koltsova receives a threat amidst reports from the frontlines. Shortly afterward, she confronts accusations of Soviet bombing in Brunholm, Sweden, a claim based on a bomb fragment lacking clear identification. Using her wit, Koltsova persuades skeptical locals, including a fisherman nicknamed Father Gunnar, to re-examine the evidence, ultimately revealing German involvement. This discovery helps Sweden maintain its neutrality despite Nazi pressure.
Koltsova's diplomatic finesse is further demonstrated in her interactions with the Swedish king, who had once exiled her for revolutionary activities. Employing charm and strategic diplomacy, she bridges ideological divides to focus on trade, while also countering misconceptions about the Soviet Union at a royal ball. She negotiates with influential figures like financier Julius Helmer (based on Raoul Wallenberg), securing trade agreements that bolster the Soviet war effort. Amid her successes, Koltsova faces personal tragedy with the loss of her son on the frontlines. Yet, her efforts culminate in a significant diplomatic victory, preventing further escalation in a neighboring country and ultimately contributing to the Soviet victory. The film closes with a triumphant note, showcasing the Victory Parade of 1945, where Koltsova, alongside historical figures like Stalin and Zhukov, celebrates the end of the war.
